Communities Secretary Eric Pickles came to dance when he visited Jewish Care’s Brenner Community Centre in Stamford Hill on Tuesday.

After touring the premises, meeting a range of users, he joined day centre members for a tea dance. “This is an amazing centre,” Mr Pickles said. “It goes from early morning till late at night, taking care of people from the very young to the not-so-young.

“I am having a great time and have had a dance — the first I have had for a long time.”

The visit was arranged by local Jewish councillor Linda Kelly, who said: “I have worked with Jewish Care in Hackney for a number of years and have admired the work they do for the community, along with the work they do in partnership with other organisations across the borough to provide specialist services. I felt this was something the Secretary of State needed to witness for himself. And when the invitation was given he accepted without hesitation.”

The Brenner Centre is also used increasingly by the Hackney Charedi community.